Gray Fall Festival brings family fun to fairgrounds

From handmade crafts and baked goods to laser tag and a towering maze, the Gray Fall Festival is ready for its sixth year on Saturday at the Appalachian Fair Grounds. The family-friendly festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature local businesses, artisans, food vendors and activities for children. Event organizer Devin King said the goal is to give families a festive, affordable way to spend a fall Saturday while highlighting small businesses in the community. "It's about just being able to see all the local artists and all the local businesses that we have in the area and to have a fun family-outing that doesn't cost them anything," King said. "They can just grab something to eat and stroll around and see what we've got to offer." Attendees can browse handmade crafts, children's boutiques, leather goods, quilts and sewn items, woodwork, jewelry and home and holiday décor. Licensed University of Tennessee apparel and Simply Southern vendors will also participate. For those looking to grab a bite between shopping and activities, several food trucks and bakeries will be on hand, including Crave Cookies, Husky Mountain Eatery Food Truck and Goomba's Hot Dogs. King said she hopes attendees will get a taste of Appalachia before the start of autumn while enjoying time with family and friends, adding that children will have plenty to keep them busy. "We'll have face painting, and then we will also have the VIP party tent, where they'll have laser tag and a tall, inflatable maze to go through," King said. The festival will also give back to members of the community. A portion of vendor fees will support raising funds for local resident's medical transplant journeys. King encouraged residents to spend the day supporting small businesses, finding something special, enjoying local food and making fall memories with family and friends.